Summer time is known for bringing carefree, go-with-the-flow attitudes. Children are out of school, the weather is warmer, people travel more and spend longer periods of time outside. Summer brings less structure to a daily schedule than any other season. This lack of structure may also cause a slew of workplace injuries as well.
Heat-related injuries are the most common work injury during the summer. According to OSHA’s website, dozens of workers die and thousands become ill every year from working in extreme heat and humidity. Travel produces more traffic on the roads increasing the number of automobile accidents for truck and delivery drivers in addition to any employee whose job requires traveling between work locations. Insect and animal bites are more likely during the warmer months as workers including landscapers, construction industry workers, and outdoor seasonal employees spend more time outside. Though these type of injuries are not exclusive to the summer season, they seem to occur more frequently during the warmer months of the year.
Workplace injuries may at times be unavoidable but even in a more relaxed environment, there are a number of measures employers can take to prevent injuries during the summer. An update of company safety education and policies can make all the difference. Employees who have a better knowledge of personal work safety are less likely to suffer an injury. Common procedures and proper handling of equipment should be reviewed every few months to keep employees up to date. Employers can go even further with having a workplace safety audit conducted to pinpoint specific areas that need improvement. Other measures to ensure workplace safety in the summer include being properly informed of the weather conditions. High amounts of rain and flash flooding can cause an injury to any worker on the road while thunder and lightning pose a serious threat as well.
No matter the season, workplace injuries are sometimes inevitable making workplace injury education vital. Should someone acquire an injury they should seek medical attention and report to their employer immediately.
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